New Delhi: Despite becoming the youngest world champion at the age of 18, India’s D Gukesh believes he is not the best player in the world today. Gukesh scripted history by defeating China’s Ding Liren in the World Chess Championship 2024 in Singapore last year to claim his maiden title. The Indian Grandmaster is currently playing in the 87th edition of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2025 in Wijk aan Zee in Netherlands and has been performing exceptionally well.
Gukesh headed into the World Championship final ranked 5th in the world and got the better of Ding in a dramatic final 14th game to lay his hands on the title. He broke the record held by Russian Grandmaster Garry Kasparov to become the youngest world champion in chess history. Kasparov won the title at the age of 22 in 1985.
However, his heroics aside, Gukesh believes he still has a lot to improve and feels he has a long way to go before he can claim the tag of the best player in the world. Thd Indian Grandmaster believes world no.1 Magnus Carlsen is unarguably the best player in the world at present.
“Yeah, not yet. Considering my age, 18, it is not a crime not to be the best in the world. But I try to keep pushing and proving myself,” Gukesh told Dutch outlet NOS.
“It is Magnus Carlsen for now,” he added.
‘I’ve drifted a bit’: Gukesh admits success hasn’t been easy to handle
Gukesh has become the cynosure of all eyes in India ever since his historic triumph in the World Chess Championship. With the world at his feet, the 18-year-old has been bombarded with media interactions, social media mentions and immense love from fans across all age groups. While it is a dream scenario for any chess player, Gukesh admitted it hasn’t been easy for him to handle success at just 18.
“I have to admit the success has not been easy to deal with. I might’ve drifted a bit here and there. But the most important thing is that there are people around me who are always there to remind me whenever I go off the track,” said the reigning world champion.
But the reigning world champion admitted he is happy to witness chess get the kind of love only cricket got India prior to his success. However, the 18-year-old remains focused on improving his game and realising his full potential as he continues to do well at the Tata Steel Chess Tournament.
“I am happy that chess is getting the kind of attention that only cricket usually gets in India. After a month, coming back to Wijk aan Zee and focusing on chess is also very nice. The world champion title is nice to have, but there is still a long way to go to be the best. I am just looking to reach my full potential,” he added.
Gukesh defeated Indian compatriot Leon Luke Mendonca in the ninth round of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament on Tuesday to become the sole leader in the masters section. Gukesh is yet to lose in the tournament so far and has claimed 6.5 points out of a possible 9 with 4 wins in 5 draws. Gukesh is in a strong position in the tournament with just 4 round remaining.
D Gukesh has admitted he is not the best in the world at the moment despite becoming the youngest world champion at the age of 18. Gukesh hailed Magnus Carlsen as the best player in the world. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
